FAQ

Why does Smiletown want to see children before their first birthday?

Children who wait past their first birthday and do not see a dentist until age two or three are more likely to have subsequent preventive, restorative and emergency visits. This first “well baby check” is mostly educational and establishes a dental home and helps ensure that parents learn the tools they’ll need to help their children remain cavity-free.

Can I pass cavities to my child?

Babies can “catch” cavities from their caregivers. In 71 percent of the cases, the mother is the source. Research indicates that the cavity-causing bacteria known as streptococcus mutans can be transmitted from mothers to infants even before teeth erupt. The better the mother’s oral health, the less the chance the baby will have problems.

What about my child's pacifier?

Pacifier or thumb? Cloth or disposable? Breast milk or formula? Debates rage around new parents, just at a time when they’re too tired to tie their own shoes. The AAPD solves the first of these parent dilemmas with a vote for pacifiers over thumbs to comfort fretful babies.

“Pacifiers have a few rules of thumb, pun intended. The three things to consider are frequency (How often do they suck?); duration (How long do they suck?); and intensity (Can you hear it across the room?).”

Why fix primary teeth?

Primary or baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth to grow in. Furthermore, a decayed tooth can become abscessed. This leads to pain, loss of school days and may lead to serious infections having far-reaching implications for growth, development, school performance, and peer relationships.

Why is dental equipment large and overwhelming for children?

Just about all dental offices treat all sizes and shapes of patients with a broad range of needs. At SmileTown we offer kinder, gentler dentistry. But it’s not for everyone. It’s just for kids. Remember when children kicked and screamed their way to the dentist? Not anymore. SmileTown has more in common with a modern play-land than an old-fashioned doctor’s office. If only dental visits were this much fun when you were a kid!

What are the benefits of a healthy mouth?

Healthy teeth save time and money. Good oral health means less extensive and less expensive treatment for your child.
A healthy mouth is attractive and can help children form a positive self-image. A bright smile can help win the confidence of peers and teachers.

Healthy baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help guide them into the correct position. Severe decay and early loss of baby teeth can result in crowded, crooked permanent teeth.

Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of general health because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body. Consequences of early childhood caries include insufficient physical development (especially height and weight) and a diminished ability to learn.

An untreated cavity can lead to a necessary root canal treatment to alleviate pain and to treat the dental disease.

- Key Messages for Parents -

Thumb sucking is okay, to a point!

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2 and it should be discouraged after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Dentists can suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.